Bastille Has His Day in Schapiro Memorial BC

(from Laurel Park report)
Mr. and Mrs. Bertram R. Firestone's stalking Bastille prevailed in a hard stretch drive over Fishy Advice to win the $200,000 John D. Schapiro Memorial Breeders' Cup by a neck on the turf at Laurel Park Saturday.

Ridden again by Joe Rocco Jr., Bastille brought a two race win streak into the Schapiro, including a victory in the Polynesian Stakes at Colonial Downs in his last start, but was dismissed by the bettors at 9-1. Fishy Advice went to post as the 9-10 favorite and led from the start before giving way grudgingly with jockey Mario Pino. Dreadnaught was third.

Winning trainer Jimmy Murphy, who turns 80 in December and who had a pacemaker placed in his heart earlier this month, is tied for the top spot in the standings with six victories after the first three weeks of the Laurel Park fall meeting. Murphy took over conditioning of the 4-year-old Quiet American colt in July and has won all three of his races with him.

"This really meant a lot for me to win this race for him," said Rocco, who has been aboard for each of Bastille's wins during the streak. "It is nice that his barn is moving forward after his health scare. This horse has been a monster ever since Mr. Murphy got him from Billy Mott."

The $120,000 first place purse was the largest victory in the career of the 24-year-old rider. It increased Bastille's lifetime earnings to $251,536 with five wins in 19 starts.

Bastille completed the nine furlongs in 1:46.28. He paid $20.40, $5.20, and $2.80--topping a $43.20 exacta.

"I was a little worried Peen's (Pino) horse might re-break on me once we turned for home," Rocco said. "But as soon as I found a little room and I felt my horse go on and the leader didn't go on, I thought we were home unless Dreadnaught came flying late."

"Perfect trip," said Pino. "I couldn't have asked for anything better. We just got outrun. No excuses. We finished strong, but the other horse was better."

Fishy Advice returned $3 and $2.60. The 7-5 second choice Dreadnaught, ridden by Rosie Napravnik, was 3 1/4 lengths behind the runner-up, paying $2.40 to show.

Morning line favorite Ashkal Way scratched, opting for next weekend's $250,000 Kelso Breeders' Cup (gr. IIT) at Belmont Park, his home track. Giant Wrecker, Interpatation, and Speed Whiz also scratched, reducing the field to six.

(Chart, Equibase)